Trials and joys

We met with the oncologist in January and found out that the CA125 numbers are on the rise. Recall the norm is 0-30 and mine was 469 last month.

Since Christmas I am on a much more stringent diet of raw veggies, low-sugar fruits, beans, and limited grains. No refined sugar, no refined flours, no dairy, and minimally processed foods, although NO processed foods is ideal. (I still like my hummus and stove-top popped popcorn!). coffee is limited too, bummer 'cuz I like the HELP it gives me in the morning.

We have incorporated 5 days of 30-minutes of exercise since Christmas.

I am taking lots of vitamins, Barley greens, and other supplements with hopes of building my immune system which will in turn fight the cancer. Interestingly, I can fight off colds and flu but the cancer is a different monster. I am under chiropractic care in addition to the care of a Naturopath and an avid nutritionist who was able to get rid of a brain tumor growing on the side of her head. I am going through detox programs, learning that the intestinal tract's health is VITAL to healing the body and having a healthy body. I am doing colon hydrotherapy. Boy, my life feels consumed by taking care of ME! David is such a trooper going to doctor appointments with me. He deserves a special treat.

We have been reading an interesting book called Anti Cancer by Dr. David Servan-Schrieber. Excellent book for anyone looking for scientific research on the link between cancer and nutrition.

Vitamin D is one to help fight cancer. Turmeric (along with pepper) is proven to help with inflammation. Inflammation in the body can lead to diseases. We are also watching my intake of alkaline foods to ensure a good balance of  Ph levels. Boy, there is so much to learn. I am convinced that I have no earthly idea of how to take care of this complicated machine called the human body! God of Heaven help me!! Truly.

Trying to find out what my Vitamin D level is was quite an ordeal. My oncologist told me to go to my Family Practioner. My FP told me to go to my oncologist. My onc gyn told me to go my FP. The blood lab said they MUST HAVE an order from my physician. Surprisingly, each doctor told me the exact same thing. Literally, they each said, "I don't want to be responsible for you". WHAT does that really mean?!

Apparently, IF the blood test shows that I have some terrible disease (what can be worse than what I already have?!) then they would have to be the one responsible to watch that condition, prescribe medicine, follow up with me, etc. I am sure it is more complicated than that, but nevertheless it is soooooo frustrating. I just want to know what my Vitamin D level is so that I can get it to a level where my body can try and fight the cancer. Finally the PA at the onc gyn office relented. She said, "...but I have to have a diagnosis for this blood order, what am I supposed to put down?" I told her, "I have cancer!" I wanted to shout, "Are you serious?? REALLY??!!!" It's quite bazaar if you ask me.

So here it is the end of February. I vacillate between energetic and tired, joyous and depressed, overwhelmed and able to manage quite well. I felt this way before being diagnosed! So what's the difference?

It has been 13 months since I was diagnosed. I have had 8 chemo treatments, 1 major surgery and had 2 lymphacelles drained.  Now I'm ready to recover! I do have a CAT/PET scan on Friday, March 8th. I have the same ole right-sided pains bothering me again. Perhaps it's scar tissue? Another lymphacelle?

I am hoping to have the Power Port removed from my upper chest in April, since chemo is not an option for me anymore. Perhaps the neck, shoulder and back pain will go away once the port is removed. I wonder if the port's location on top of the muscle has affected my neck, shoulder and back muscles problems. The massages and chiro care are slowly helping but this neck pain is really a pain in the neck!

I continue to appreciate prayers for us. Tim is an angel and cares for me tirelessly. David puts up with my moodiness and is quite agreeable for a 3 and a half year old. Both are such  blessings! Thank you Lord for your goodness, kindness and daily mercy!